Siliguri, 01st August: The Siliguri East Bengal Fan Club celebrated the 107th Foundation Day of the East Bengal Club with a series of events at Kanchenjunga Stadium on Saturday.
The programme was attended by Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh, former Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb, Dr. Sandeep Sengupta, members of the East Bengal Fan Club, former and current footballers, and football enthusiasts.
The celebration began with the hoisting of the East Bengal Club flag followed by a cake-cutting ceremony. During the event, Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh distributed footballs and sports equipment to young footballers to encourage the next generation to take up the sport.
Addressing the gathering, Shankar Ghosh said football is an integral part of Bengali culture and that East Bengal and Mohun Bagan are two iconic clubs that have shaped the state’s sporting legacy. He also said Siliguri has long been a stronghold of East Bengal supporters, adding that the club’s history is deeply connected with the emotions and struggles of people who rebuilt their lives in North Bengal after Partition.
Former Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb said such initiatives play an important role in promoting sports while encouraging the younger generation to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.